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fLIPSIDE Spring 2018 l your CODC news
THIS ISSUE: Name our mascot | CO Awards | Upcoming Events
From the Mayor’s Desk
Has Central ever been so busy? The standard answer to “how are you?” seems to no longer be “fine” but is now “busy as!” Resource consent and planning application figures show that the construction industry is busy, the latest figures for plantings in horticulture and viticulture show how busy those industries are and are going to be, and the roads are busier than I have ever seen them. Some love the busyness, particularly those in business, but for others that busyness goes against what they treasure about our place. Balancing the wants and needs of 20,000 people is a tricky proposition. The current period of growth gives challenges as well as opportunities. A big challenge is how we retain the aspects of Central Otago that we love when so many people want to live or visit here. Another is how we make Central Otago a district where all people can find their place, not just those who can afford to. And of course, we have to be aware of the potential effect of growth on our unique natural environment. These are challenges your Council is working hard to meet. The Cromwell Eye To The Future Masterplan programme has enjoyed a huge amount of engagement in trying to identify the best way forward together through the growth pressures Cromwell faces. A Central Otago Affordable Housing Trust has been established and is beginning to work with stakeholders, Council and Community Boards to propose solutions to the cost of housing and renting in some parts of the district. The 10-Year Plan passed this year set in motion the biggest infrastructure project in our Council’s history, being the Clyde Wastewater scheme that will both alleviate an environmental challenge in removing Clyde’s outdated septic tanks and allow the possibility of development of more residential land to meet increased demand. Be assured, Council will continue to work alongside the community to find the best balance of outcomes that we can. Tim Cadogan Your Mayor
A Few Words with…
Sanchia Jacobs CEO
Six months in and happily counting! Hi, I am Sanchia Jacobs, and this is the first edition of The FlipSide since I started at CODC earlier in the year. It is great to be back in the part of the country where my heart has always been, and the warm welcome home by so many members of the community has been really fantastic. Both myself, and my daughter, Cueba, who is in year 13 at Cromwell College, have really appreciated the Central hospitality. Over these first six months I have been doing my best to get my head around some of the issues, opportunities and challenges facing Central Otago. I have spent time getting to know many of our elected members, meeting with various community groups and representatives and working with staff to advance the great work they do every day on your behalf. I have been overwhelmed with the genuine sense of community and caring there is down here. Every day I witness people who are out there doing great things with and for their communities just because that is ‘the way we do things down here’. Examples of this have included people determined to build a skate park in the Teviot, community planting in Cromwell, youth initiatives in Vincent and events on the Otago Central Rail Trail. No matter where I go in Central Otago, the community are stepping up and stepping out to make the place they live really great – it is impossible not to love this place! If the first six months have been about observing, absorbing and understanding where the key areas are that I can make a contribution, then the next six months will be about putting the right building blocks in place to make sure that during my time as Chief Executive we are able to really deliver great results back to those people that live in and visit Central Otago. I am looking forward to taking that journey with all of you!
New Libraries’ Mascot
Central Otago District Libraries have a new mascot. We’d introduce him properly but alas we haven’t got a name for him yet… That’s why we are calling on our junior readers to suggest a name. Customer Services and Libraries Manager Louise Fleck said the libraries had adopted the new mascot as another way of bringing the libraries vision statement, Inspire – Connect – Captivate, to life. “Our new mascot will be ‘put to work’ as a spokes-dog and poster pooch for our libraries,” said Mrs Fleck. “We want our local community to be able to have a fun connection with our libraries and creating our mascot has been a positive experience for all involved. We are excited to be able to reach out to the public to name him so that you can feel part of the process of bringing him to life.” CENTRAL OTAGO DISTRICT KIDS: If you are aged 12 or under and you’ve got a name you think suits this dog then get in touch. Pop the name you think we should give our mascot, plus your own name, age and contact details (address and daytime phone number) on a bit of paper and drop it in to your local library. Alternatively, you can (perhaps with the help of an older family member) drop us an email with these details to libraries@codc.govt.nz. And because our librarians love a good story we’d love you to tell us why you chose the name you did for our new canine library champion and/or tell us a little bit about what sort of character you imagine he is! As well as bragging rights we’ll have a new release book for the winner and a special VIP role at our mascot launch celebration later this year. Get those names in to us by Saturday 10 November. We’ll have a panel of dog lovers pawing over your answers to pick a winner.
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN YOUR LIBRARIES? Lego Club: Earlier this year we launched a new afterschool Lego Club at Alexandra, Cromwell, Roxburgh and Maniototo libraries. Lego @ the Library is a weekly, hour-long session of fun and creative building for children aged between 5 and 12 years. Spots are limited, so interested families should contact their local library for more details and to register interest. A good yarn: Bring your needles and hooks and unwind with your knitting or crochet every Thursday from 11am-1pm at Alexandra Public Library’s Yarn 2gether. Beginners and experts are all welcome. A great way to pick up tips and be inspired. Or come for a chat - see what others are working on. Cromwell also has a knitting group that meets on the first Thursday of the month from 10am to 12 noon. Booklovers unite: Are you interested in sharing what you’re reading, and hearing what other people recommend to read? Do you want to know about new books to our library? Then Book Chat is where you want to be! Come along to the Alexandra Public Library on the first Thursday of each month, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Discuss books with the librarians and other readers like yourself. Clyde Library also has a Book Club that meets on the second Saturday of each month from 10am at Olivers in Clyde. Contact clydelibrary@codc.govt.nz to find out more or turn up and look for the group with the pile of books on the table – hard to miss! Digital Drop-ins: Would you like to learn how to borrow E-books and E-audiobooks? Download magazines and newspapers? Stream documentaries and films? Come and see what’s available in the digital space at the Alexandra Public Library. Bring your tablet, laptop or smartphone. Our librarians will be happy to demonstrate how to get the most from our library’s digital space on the second Wednesday of each month, from 2pm to 3pm. Human Library: Central Otago Libraries are again offering a Human Library experience as part of Thyme Festival, where people will be on loan to readers. The Human Library is a worldwide initiative that helps break down barriers within our communities. Check out the Thyme Festival programme at www.thymefestival.co.nz to find out more and book your spot. And that’s just some of the latest offerings. There’s also regular pre-school story times at our four bigger libraries and themed school holiday programmes and reading challenges. Head to www.codc.govt.nz/libraries to find out more about what our libraries have to offer and what’s on, or better yet, get into your local library. Books and beyond!
FlipSide Snippets MANIOTOTO FUNDING The Community Trust of Maniototo and Maniototo Trust Fund invite funding applications from individuals, or community groups within the Maniototo for projects with clear benefits for the Maniototo community. You’ll find the application form on Council’s website at www.codc.govt.nz/funding or you can pick up a copy from the Ranfurly Service Centre on Pery Street. Applications close Friday 16 November 2018. For queries about the funding scheme contact Janice on 03 262 8502 or janice.remnant@codc.govt.nz. PROJECT UPDATES Did you know Council has a project updates section on the website where we share further information on some of our key capital projects, feasibility studies and facility upgrades? www.codc.govt.nz/projects Currently the section includes pages giving more background and information on the Cromwell Masterplan programme and the Clyde Museums Feasibility Study, and we will be updating these and introducing more sections as they are timely and topical. Contact communications@codc.govt.nz if you have a suggestion for this section. ANNUAL REPORT – OUT SOON The Central Otago District Council Annual Report 2017-18 and summary will be out soon. It will be available to download and read on our website, or if you prefer a hard copy format you’ll find copies at all our service centres and libraries. Keep an eye out in the CODC Noticeboard in The News or on Council’s website or social media channels to find out when it is available. We encourage you to take the time to read these documents for an overview of our year’s achievements and how we have performed against what we set out to do. RATES REBATES The rebate scheme provides a subsidy to low-income homeowners on the cost of their rates. You must re-apply for a rebate every rating year. If you haven’t received an application form this year they are now available at any of our Central Otago District Council offices. Changes to the scheme this year mean that occupants of retirement villages may now be eligible to apply for a rebate. Please contact Kelly on 03 262 7055 for further information or assistance with your application.
Are you a pool owner?
Following recent changes to legislation, specifically the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2017, all swimming pool owners need to be aware of the following. Property and pool owners are obliged to: • Advise the Council about the existence of a pool, spa pool or hot tub, regardless of whether it was installed before the Act came into effect. • Obtain a building consent before installing or constructing a pool or pool barrier, and to comply with any conditions imposed under the consent. • Make sure the pool and immediate pool area has a barrier that complies with the Act (this includes making sure the components of the barrier and gates are maintained so they operate effectively). Tenants and anyone with control of a pool also have an obligation to make sure the pool fencing complies with the Act. CODC is now also required to carry out three-yearly inspections on all pools registered. We will be contacting all owners currently on our register to book an inspection time shortly. There will be a charge of $50 to register any swimming pool not currently on the register, and $100 for a pool inspection. Alternatively, Council can accept a certificate of periodic inspection from an IQPI (Independent Qualified Pool Inspector). To check if your pool is on the Council register, feel free to give us a call on 03 440 0056. Please see our website www.codc.govt.nz for further information.
Service Requests If you’ve seen something that needs attention please let us know. Maybe your water meter’s leaking, there’s a broken branch or a damaged swing at your local park that needs fixing, or you’ve seen a wandering dog. Whatever it is, if something needs doing, let us know. REPORTING THIS TO COUNCIL IS QUICK AND EASY: Call us or pop in to one of our service centres: - Alexandra | 03 440 0056 | 1 Dunorling Street - Cromwell | 03 445 0211 | 42 The Mall - Ranfurly | 03 444 9170 | 15 Pery Street - Roxburgh | 03 446 8105 | 120 Scotland Street Email us: info@codc. govt.nz Via our website: go to www.codc.govt.nz, click on ‘Request It’, then ‘Request for Services’ from the drop down menu. Or make contact via The Central App (free smartphone app), then once you have the app, follow these buttons: Community > Council > Report It
Residents’ Survey Feedback 2018 A big “Thank You” to the 778 people to take this year’s CODC Residents’ Survey. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know your views about the Council services and amenities you use. Survey respondents identified the following 10 areas as high priorities for Council for the next one to three years: 1. Water Supply 6. Public Toilets 2. Community Planning 7. Economic Development 3. Sewerage 8. Rubbish Collection 4. Litter Bins 9. Tourism 5. Footpaths 10. Walking Tracks The summary report of the results from our 2018 survey is available on Council’s website.
Central Otago Awards 2019
It’s a busy time of year coming up and 2019 is just around the corner. So now is a good time to start thinking about your entries and nominations for next year’s Central Otago Awards which will open in March 2019. The Central Otago Awards are presented every two years to businesses and individuals that are achieving great things and that exemplify the spirit of the region. Award categories include Business Excellence, Young Professional, Community Service, Apprentice and Youth. Do you know an exceptional individual who has made a significant contribution to their community? Are you working with a talented young professional who is achieving outstanding results in their chosen career? Do you know an outstanding young person who has the ability to motivate, engage and positively influence others? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you need to consider nominating them for the 2019 Central Otago Awards. Businesses of all sizes and from any industry are encouraged to enter the Business Excellence Award category. For businesses, the awards application process offers a great opportunity to review what is outstanding about your business and the way you operate. If you have any questions about the awards or would like to discuss the entry or nomination process, please contact Shirley Howden on 03 440 0624 or shirley.howden@codc.govt.nz. Visit www.centralotagoawards.co.nz to see past winners and to read about our 2017 award winners and finalists.
Let’s Talk Options
By the time this newsletter hits your letterbox the next phase of the Cromwell Masterplan programme will be underway. A shortlist of options has been released to the community for feedback. These options relate to the Cromwell Masterplan work streams – creating a spatial framework to appropriately accommodate growth, the town centre and civic facilities, and the Heritage Precinct including the Cromwell Memorial Hall. The shortlist of options is based on community feedback gathered during the initial engagement in June and July, and on evidence gathered by the Masterplan team. Community feedback on the options is being sought through channels that include public information sessions, a survey and through social media. This is a once in a generation opportunity. We need your feedback to help make decisions about which options will give us the best outcome for Cromwell over the next 30 years. Head to www.codc.govt.nz/cromwelleyetothefuture to read the options engagement document Let’s Talk Options and give your feedback or pick up a copy at locations dotted all around Cromwell, including the CODC service centre and library.
Keep in touch
Ways to keep in touch with Council news in between your twice-yearly copy of The FlipSide: • Check out our weekly CODC Noticeboard published on page 5 of The News. • Visit our website www.codc.govt.nz where we regularly post news and highlight what’s topical. • ‘Like’ and follow Central Otago District Council on Facebook. • Keep in touch with business news and vacancies via Council’s presence on LinkedIn. • To receive alerts to your phone and be able to link through to Council information at the quick push of a button be sure to download The Central App. The Central App is not a Council initiative but we are proud supporters and users of the app. • Tune in to Radio Central for regular Council news and features, including hearing the Mayor on the air fortnightly. Tune in on 91.9 in Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell, 94.3 in the Teviot Valley and 104.3 in the Maniototo.
What’s Coming Up
ALEXANDRA LIGHT PARTY
Saturday 27 October 2018 | 4pm-7pm | Pioneer Park Free family event back for its fourth year. Entertainment, food and fun side-show activities for kids up to 12 years of age. Put on by the combined churches of Alexandra. ALEXANDRA THYME FESTIVAL Saturday 27 October – Sunday 4 November 2018 Various locations Central Otago’s largest arts and sustainability festival. Nine days of art, sustainability, craft and wellbeing activities. See www.thymefestival.co.nz for the full programme and booking details. THE BUSKERS FESTIVAL Wednesday 31 October – Friday 2 November 2018 A three-day buskers festival on the streets of Alexandra in conjunction with the Thyme Festival. CROMWELL STREET PARTY AND FIREWORKS Friday 2 November 2018 | 5- 9.30pm | Cromwell Heritage Precinct Live entertainment, street performers and a night market before a fireworks display over Lake Dunstan. THE NIGHT AND DAY RAINBOW RUN Saturday 3 November 2018 | 11am start | Molyneux Park, Alexandra Run or walk the 3.4km or 5km course around Molyneux Park and prepare to become your own work of art as you pass through the five colour checkpoints. See www.sportotago.co.nz for more details and ticketing.
ARMISTICE DAY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION PARADE Sunday 11 November | From 11am | Tarbert Street, Alexandra Hosted by The NZ Mounted Rifles Charitable Trust. GOLD ’N NOTES HOEDOWN Friday 16 – Saturday 18 November 2018 | Cromwell Racecourse One of the biggest events on the country music calendar. THE PIONEER MTB STAGE RACE Sunday 25 November – Friday 30 November 2018 | Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes. For full event details see www.thepioneer.co.nz CROMWELL CHERRY FESTIVAL Sunday 30 December 2018 | Cromwell Heritage Precinct Including the New Zealand Cherry Stone Spitting Championship. ST BATHANS VILLAGE FETE 13 January 2019 Held each year by the Cambrian St Bathans branch of Rural Women New Zealand. Fun for the whole family. HIGHLANDERS VS WARRATAHS Friday 1 February 2019 | Molyneux Park Pre-season match. Tickets for the event will go on sale early in the new year. Find more events at www.centralotagonz.com/events
CONTACT US
Central Otago District Council www.codc.govt.nz PO Box 122 Alexandra 9340 03 440 0056 | info@codc.govt.nz www.facebook.com/centralotagodistrictcouncil
Front cover Central Otago Libraries Mascot Illustration by Kirsten Baldwin